What Are the Best Toenail Clippers for Thick Toenails?

Many of us don’t consider clipping toenails to be an especially difficult task. In fact, it’s simply a part of habitual grooming. We don’t think twice about cutting our nails once they get too long for comfort or vanity purposes. However, for people who have thick and yellow toenails, it’s necessary to find a pair of toenail clippers that will get the job done.

Thick toenails can be a result of anything from genetic dispositions, to a fungal infection that has caused the nails to become harder and, as a result, thicker. Whatever the case, it can be difficult to find standard clippers that will cut cleanly through the nail.

Regular clippers can prove to be ineffective, and sometimes painful to use. People with thicker toenails often have to see a podiatrist to get their toenails clipped.

Thankfully, there are some professional-grade toenail clippers on the market that work on hard nails. These products can keep you from having to visit a foot doctor. They can help you to maintain proper hygiene and grooming habits.

How to Choose the Best Toenail Clippers for Thick Toenails

Toenail fungus, a health condition or getting older may have hardened and thickened your nails. You don’t have to struggle with using standard cutters any longer. In fact, it can even be somewhat dangerous to use regular clippers that don’t cut the nails correctly.

When using regular trimmers, you can spread nail fungus or irritate the nail bed. It’s also easy to cut yourself, especially if the clippers are too small to get a decent grip.

While the heavy-duty nail clippers that we’ve found are sharp and precise, they are also safe to use. They have been tested on the toughest of nails and are fit for purpose.

Guide to the Best Thick Toenail Cutters

Here’s a table to help you decide if a pair of clippers is right for your personal needs. You’ll quickly be able to identify our top pick and decide if it’s good value for money. You can then click on the link to read the in-depth review.

Note:If checking from a mobile device, scroll the table to the right to view other columns.

Top 10 Clippers for Really Thick Nails

1. ClipPro-Kohm Toenail Clippers

The ClipPro Toenail Clippers are one of the most popular solutions for hard nails. They are made of surgical grade stainless steel. That allows them to cut through extremely hard nails, no matter the cause. They also allow the user quite a bit of leverage when handling them. Because they’re five inches long, you can establish a firm grip when clipping.

The leverage and strength of the blades allow for even, clean cuts every time. When you have tough toenails, making precise cuts is important. If the blades are too dull, you can crack or split the nail. The ClipPro clippers ensure that won’t happen thanks to the sharpness of their blades.

They also have additional safety features. They include two different styles of safety tip covers and a convenient carrying pouch. Those extra features can give you peace of mind when storing your clippers. You or a family member (like a small child) won’t accidentally poke or cut yourself when reaching for the clippers in a drawer, etc.

The manufacturer is so confident about how well they work that they offer a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely happy with the product, you can either receive a full refund or a replacement product.

2. Harperton Klipit Nail Clipper Kit

The Harperton Clippers come in a set of two. That allows you to choose a set that specifically fits your needs. You can make adjustments as needed, based on the health of your nails.

Both sets of clippers by Harperton feature an ergonomic, easy-to-grip handle. The handle is meant to cradle your fingers as you use them. That makes them perfect for men, women, younger users, and even the elderly or people with less strength. Even the smaller size clippers can work on smaller, thick toenails that are too tough for regular trimmers.

While a wide jaw opening isn’t the main focus, the strength of the blades helps to eliminate the need for an extended jaw. The stainless steel blades are so sharp, they can cut through the thickest of nails with ease. You may have to make multiple cuts. But, because of the sharpness of the blades, your nails will not split or crack.

The blades are hand-sharpened, and designed never to weaken or dull. Harperton backs this up with a satisfaction guarantee and lifetime guarantee. If you’re not happy with the product, you can get it replaced, or receive a refund.

Additional safety features include a special carrying case. That helps to prevent accidental cuts from someone reaching for the clippers while they’re being stored.

3. Seki Edge Toenail Clipper

The Seki Edge Nail Clipper has a textured handle for better grip strength. This allows you to apply more natural pressure to the nail when clipping. That’s a great safety feature to ensure your hand won’t slip while cutting. However, it also gives you more leverage to cut easily through thick, tough nails.

They are especially great for toenails that may not be as thick but are extremely hard. The jaw opening spreads to about ⅜”. While there are some clippers out there with a wider opening, the stainless steel blades of the Seki Edge make easy work of hard nails. If you’ve neglected to take care of your toenails for awhile and they have gotten extremely tough, the strength of these clippers will offer clean, precision cutting.

The cutting edge is hand-grinded. This ensures that they are very sharp, and won’t dull over time.

The Seki Edge is also very safe to use. Not only does the textured handle provide extra grip, but the jaw opening works as a built-in safety feature. It does not open wide enough for fingers to become trapped. If you reach for the clippers while they are being stored, it’s less likely you’ll cut your fingers.

If hard nails that seem impossible to cut have become a big problem, the Seki Edge clippers may be the best solution. They are safe, easy to use, and have sharp blades that are designed specifically to cut through hard nails.

4. Mehaz 668 Angled Wide Jaw Toenail Clipper

The Mehaz 668 Pro Toenail Clippers are easy to use, comfortable, and effective. With many positive reviews on Amazon, it’s clear that more and more people are beginning to realize just how beneficial these powerful clippers can be.

They feature a wide opening that is imperative for people dealing with thickened toenails. The opening is complemented by sharp, stainless steel blades that allow for even, precision cutting each time. Because the cutting edge is angled, it helps to reach even the most difficult areas of the toenails to make clean cuts.

The sharp blades are only part of what makes them so easy to use. They also feature a rubberized coating around the 3.4 inch long handle. That works as a comfort feature, as well as a safety feature to ensure the clippers won’t slip during trimming. The larger size makes for an easier time when cutting toenails, so you don’t have to bend down as far to get those hard to reach spots.

The nails trimmed off with the Mehaz clippers are collected neatly within the nippers. There is no mess to clean up. That can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with toenail fungus and don’t want to leave toenails sitting around.

With stainless steel blades that won’t dull over time, an easy to grip handle and a wide jaw made specifically for thicker nails, these Mehaz clippers can help anyone struggling to cut their nails.

5. Chooling Toenail Nipper

The Chooling Nail Nippers are designed specifically for hard, thick toenails. With powerful blades made of high-quality stainless steel, they can easily cut through even extremely thick nails.

If you struggle with thick toenails, these nippers double up on the power of making trimming easy. Not only are the blades extremely sharp and effective, but the clippers themselves have double springs. This allows for an easy grip and smooth cutting. Not only are they powerful, but they can also open up to about ½” wide. So, no matter how thick your toenails may be, the Chooling clippers can handle it.

When it comes to ease of use, they are comfortable for just about everyone. Their sleek design allows them to fit comfortably in your hand, and they can be gripped easily. The blades are slightly curved to make cutting the nails a precise process. You don’t need to worry about the nails looking jagged or pointed after clipping so that you won’t snag them on shoes, socks, etc. Smooth, clean nails are important, especially if you’re dealing with toenail fungus.

If you’re not happy with the Chooling clippers or run into a problem within the first eighteen months of use, the manufacturer features a money-back guarantee. This allows you to use them with confidence, and take on the symptoms of toenail fungus with a pair of strong nippers. No matter the reason behind your hardened toenails, these strong clippers can help to manage them.

6. Equinox Heavy Duty Toenail Clippers

The Equinox Toenail Clippers are so strong they are designed not only for personal use but can be used in salons, and even podiatry offices. Made of surgical grade stainless steel, the strength of the blades can be combined with the strength of your hand. Thanks to an ergonomic design, they are comfortable to hold.

That comfort allows for better grip strength. When you can securely grip a pair of strong clippers, you can use your strength to make clean, precise cuts. The tempered and hand-sharpened blades also help to ensure precise cuts every time. With blades so sharp, you never have to worry about your nails splitting or crumbling. Clean cuts also eliminate the need for filing afterward, leaving your nails feeling smooth.

The stainless steel design is also a huge advantage when it comes to cleaning. If you’re using them because you have toenail fungus, you can sanitize the entire product easily, as often as needed. That helps to reduce the risk of spreading and fungal growth.

Finally, the Equinox clippers are designed with safety in mind. They feature an easy-to-use locking key at the bottom. They cannot be opened unless they are unlocked. So, the sharp blades won’t be exposed when they are being stored somewhere, reducing the risk of accidental cuts and scrapes.

They are useful for everyone from young children to the elderly. They are easy to use for almost anyone and are effective on the thickest of nails.

7. Collections Etc. Easy to Grip Giant Toenail Clippers

If you have extremely thick toenails, there are several special features you should consider in a pair of toenail clippers. Those features include an easy grip and clippers that are wide enough to cut through nails of different thicknesses.

The Easy to Grip Giant Nail Clippers have both of those important features. Unlike some other similar clippers, these nippers by Collections Etc feature a soft handle. The blades, however, remain extremely sharp. If you have problems gripping things, arthritis, etc., the soft coating around the handles can make for an easy clipping experience. Stainless steel blades can do all the work for you when it comes to precision clipping.

They have a curved cutting edge. That helps to fit in with the natural contour of your toenails so that you can get clean, natural-looking cuts. Cutting this way helps to eliminate the need for multiple cuts or filing. The fewer cuts you have to make with a pair of clippers, the lower your risk of accidentally cutting yourself, or spreading a toenail fungus.

The manufacturer is so confident in the quality that they offer a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied with the way they work, you’ll be able to receive a full refund.

These easy-to-grip clippers are a tough, yet comfortable, solution for anyone dealing with hard to clip toenails. Perfect for any age, including the elderly who may have difficulties gripping other clippers, they can cut thick toenails fast.

8. Clyppi Toenail Clippers

The Clyppi Nail Clippers are designed to be very easy to use. They are longer than Clyppi’s standard fingernail clippers. So, if you struggle with reaching your nails, or gripping standard clippers, they can prove to be much more comfortable and effective.

The ergonomic design allows for a firm grip. This helps to ensure your nails will be cut cleanly. It also helps with safety. The better your grip on the handle, the less likely it is for them to slip, risking an accidental cut. A lot of power will come from the clippers themselves, thanks to the sharp blades.

The blades of the Clyppi toenail clippers are made from stainless steel. They are designed never to go dull. The company backs this up with a lifetime guarantee. Because the blades are so sharp, you have to apply very little pressure when cutting your nails.

In addition to effectively and cleanly cutting nails, they feature a built-in nail file. Once you are done clipping your nails, you can file them so that they’re smooth. If you struggle with toenail fungus or another health condition that causes thick nails, keeping them trimmed and clean is extremely important. The file also includes a nail cleaner. With the cleaner, you can work around the sides of the nails.

For clean, smooth nails that don’t require a lot of power or strength from you as you cut, the Clyppi toenail clippers are easy enough for just about anyone to use.

9. Raniaco Toenail Clippers

If you have really tough nails, toenail clippers made from surgical-grade stainless steel are some of the strongest solutions you can find. The Raniaco nail clippers are made from that type of stainless steel from the cutting edge to the handles. They’re hand polished, which not only makes them look great but adds comfort while gripping.

The stainless steel handles are textured at the end. That allows for added grip strength and works for extra leverage, as well as safety. That added bit of texture helps to ensure your hand won’t slip while you’re clipping. So, you won’t accidentally cut your skin or another nail.

The curved blades of the Raniaco clippers also add more control. When you have tough toenails, control is important. You want to make sure your nails end up smooth and clean, not jagged. Because of the sharpness of the blades and the strong focus on control, they will help you to make clean cuts. Your nails won’t crack or split due to dull blades.

Raniaco has also included a great safety feature by adding plastic tip covers. You can safely store them anywhere without the risk of someone grabbing them and accidentally cutting themselves.

The Raniaco clippers were designed specifically for the thickest toenails. Thanks to the sharpness of the blades and the curved cutting edge, they can work on extremely hard nails, and make them more manageable. When nails are trimmed cleanly, it’s less likely that things like toenail fungus will continue to spread and grow.

10. Three Seven Extra Large Toenail Clipper

When you’re struggling with thick nails, two characteristics of clippers are very important: A wide jaw opening and sharp blades. The Extra Large Nail Clipper by Three Seven features both.

The jaw opens to 4mm wide. If your nails are extremely tough, that type of jaw opening is very important. It will allow you to make fewer cuts on the nail, reducing the risk of cracking or splitting. They are 5.5” long. If you have trouble bending down to reach your nails, that can be a great feature. The length makes these clippers easily usable for just about anyone.

They also feature a textured handle for extra grip and safety. This gives you more leverage while you’re cutting your nails. It also helps to keep your hand from slipping while you’re trimming, so you don’t risk cutting yourself. The stainless steel blades can do all the work for you when it comes to making clean cuts.

The Three Seven clippers do come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If any part of the product becomes damaged or breaks, Three Seven can replace it for you. However, the thickness and heaviness of the design are meant for extremely tough nails. Not only will your nails not crack and crumble when using these clippers, but you can use them for a long time. The blade will not dull, and you don’t have to use too much of your strength to get a precise cut each time.

Who Is Most at Risk from Tough Toenails?

Our toenails don’t usually get as much attention as other areas of the body. So, it can be a while before we notice any significant changes. But, one of the clear signs of thick toenails is that they become more difficult to cut.

Thicker Toenails Due to Getting Older

As we age, our circulation deteriorates. Poor circulation to the lower half of your body can cause several problems.

When blood isn’t flowing strongly to your toes, it doesn’t provide all the nutrients that your nails need to grow and be healthy. This can cause them to become thicker and more brittle. It is referred to medically as onychauxis.

You may find it easier to choose clippers that are bigger, or long handle toenail clippers, like the Harperton Nail Clippers. They can keep you from having to bend down so far.

Clippers that also don’t require you to use a lot of strength are helpful, like the Equinox Heavy Duty Toenail Clippers. The best toenail clippers for thick toenails will comfortably in your hand, and do the work for you, will likely be the easiest and most effective.

Diabetes Often Causes Increased Toenail Thickness

The reason is similar to the problems we face as we get older. People with diabetes often have poor circulation. It can heavily affect the lower extremities of the body.

Again, when not enough blood flows to the feet and toes, the toenails don’t receive the proper nutrients to grow properly. If you have diabetes, keeping your nails clipped with extra-large toenail clippers is important in keeping them clean and healthy.

Psoriasis Changes the Toughness of Your Toenails

The skin may even appear to look like scales in some spots. The condition can also cause toenails to appear pitted, irregular nail growth, and nail thickening.

Trauma Can Cause Toenails to Thicken

Trauma to the nail is another big factor in thickness. When most people think of nail trauma, they think something dramatic has to happen to the nail. For example, the nail bed needs to be poked, or something heavy needs to fall on the nail.

It’s more likely that trauma is being caused by something like tightly-fitted shoes. When your shoes rub against your toes consistently, it can cause thickening to take place. This can be especially common in athletes if their shoes aren’t properly fitted.

To prevent this type of trauma, make sure you’re wearing the right shoe size. Make sure your toes have room to breathe in any shoes or socks you put on, so rubbing doesn’t occur.

Toenails Are Thickening Due to Fungus

A fungus is one of the major causes of extra nail thickness. About 35 million Americans alone deal with toenail fungus on one or more of their toes. The symptoms include things like a foul odor, brittle, and hard nails.

Toenail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis, can be caused by trauma to the nail, or moisture getting trapped underneath the nail. It can spread very easily if not treated as soon as possible, so be sure to check for additional symptoms if you have tough nails. One of the first signs of a fungal infection is a black dot or nail discoloration.

Almost any of the heavy duty nail clippers listed here can be helpful in trimming thick nails caused by a fungal infection. A wide jaw, like that of the Mehaz 668 Angled Wide Jaw Clipper can be helpful in making clean, even cuts.

Any clippers that feature sharp, stainless steel blades should be effective. Stainless steel is a plus when you have toenail fungus, as it’s easy to clean and sanitize. That helps to ensure you won’t spread the infection each time you clip your nails.

The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Really Thick Toenails

Clipping toenails that are very thick can be difficult. Regular clippers may not be able to handle the job. If you don’t use clippers that are strong or sharp enough, you could risk breaking or splitting the nail. That can lead to more problems, especially if you have toenail fungus.

Soften your nails. This can be done by soaking your feet in warm water for about ten minutes. Alternatively, you can use a toenail softening cream. These creams typically work overnight, so you can trim your nails in the morning after they have softened. Even if the nails are very thick, a softening solution can help to make them more manageable. This will help to keep the nail from crumbling or cracking. However, don’t allow the nails to get too soft or they may become too pliable to cut evenly and cleanly.

Use the right tools to clip your nails. Again, the right kind of clippers specifically designed for thicker toenails is best. Traditional cutters likely won’t work for nails that have become extremely hard. You should use clippers that allow you to have a firm grip, and won’t slip from your hands. Stainless steel blades are also important – the sharper, the better. Clippers that have a wide jaw can also be useful. If your nails have thickened a lot, clippers that open wide will allow you to make fewer cuts.

When it finally comes time to trim the nails, the way you trim is important. Instead of trying to cut off the majority of the nail at once, make small clips. This will help to prevent the nail from splintering. Be deliberate with your cuts, so you don’t accidentally cut your skin or too much of the nail. Cut straight across at the corners of your nail. This will help to prevent the formation of an ingrown toenail.

Make straight, small cuts all the way across your toenail from one side to another. Taking each cut slowly is key. The sharp blades of the nail clippers should do most of the work, but don’t cut too quickly, or you could split the nail.

Once the nails have been cut, you may want to use a professional pedicure kit to file them gently. This can help to get rid of any sharp or jagged edges. If the nails aren’t smooth, they could snag on socks. Finish them off by smoothing out the edges.

When you are finished trimming your nails, be sure to clean them as well as you can. If you have toenail fungus, apply an antifungal treatment. Never dig underneath the nail with any tool. This can increase the chance of infection, and disturb the nail bed. If you do have a fungal infection, it can also increase the risk of it spreading.

How to Cut an Ingrown Toenail Correctly

An ingrown toenail occurs when a corner of the nail moves into the side of your skin on the toe. If you’ve ever experienced an ingrown toenail, you know how painful they can be. They can hurt so badly, that they can hinder your day-to-day movement.

Unfortunately, they aren’t always easy to completely remove. They can aggravate your nail and cause extreme discomfort all the time.

Cutting an ingrown nail can be difficult if not done properly. Be sure to follow the steps below to safely and effectively cut out the ingrown nail.

Soak your feet for twenty minutes in a warm water bath with Epsom salts. This will not only help to soften your skin and the nails but can reduce inflammation. If your toe is significantly swollen around the nail, this can help the ingrown nail to be more visible.

Once your feet are soaked, push away the swollen skin. You may feel some discomfort in doing this. Only push the skin back far enough to expose the nail.

Cut the nail straight across from one side to the other.

By placing a piece of cotton between the ingrown toenail and your skin, you can help the nail to grow normally.

Change the piece of cotton multiple times a day if possible, to help prevent infection.

You need to use the right toenail cutters for ingrown toenails. Cutters like the ClipPro-Kohm Toenail Clippers are a great solution. They are shaped more like needle-nose pliers. They won’t disrupt the skin around your nail.

When you have completed cutting it, your number one priority should be making sure the area doesn’t get infected. Changing out the cotton each day can help. However, you should also consider using an antibacterial cream or ointment on your toe.

We’ve listed some of the top-rated, affordable toenail clippers and explained how to cut your nails correctly. Make sure they have stainless steel blades – that will cover strength, stability, and precision. Finding the best pair of toenail clippers for thick nails can alleviate discomfort.